In parts of the United States, male deer now become reproductively mature 1-2 ye
ID: 194439 • Letter: I
Question
In parts of the United States, male deer now become reproductively mature 1-2 years earlier and with smaller antlers than recorded historically. You discover that selection favoring earlier reproductive maturity in males has occurred in a number of different regions where deer coexist with humans, but not in areas where deer are isolated from people. Why might this be?
The lower population size of deer in human-associated areas has promoted genetic drift
Human hunting pressure has increased mortality of large male deer (trophy animals)
Exposure to humans has shifted the seasonal timing of deer reproduction
Increased food in human-absent areas allows deer to grow faster and produce larger antlers
Spillover of diseases from domesticated animals has decreased the average life span of female deer in human-dominated areas
The lower population size of deer in human-associated areas has promoted genetic drift
Human hunting pressure has increased mortality of large male deer (trophy animals)
Exposure to humans has shifted the seasonal timing of deer reproduction
Increased food in human-absent areas allows deer to grow faster and produce larger antlers
Spillover of diseases from domesticated animals has decreased the average life span of female deer in human-dominated areas
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
Option A is correct.
Explanation:
The population density of deers in human inhabited areas is low. So, there is a greater chance of bottle neck or genetic drift to occur.
Hence, the correct option is; thr lower population size of deer in human-associated areas has promoted genetic drift.